Hazardous AttitudesHazardous Attitudes

Which one do you have?

September 5, 1999By Robert N. Rossier

It was a sad day when I sold my motorcycle. I loved that machine, and it was with great sorrow that I watched its new owner ride away. I had been riding motorcycles since I was 15, but something subtle had changed in our relationship. It never occurred to me that I was pushing the limits when I rode. I felt confident of my abilities, totally at ease, and I prided myself on being very safe. But when a friend of mine, one whom I considered to be less conservative than myself, remarked how sparks flew from the footpegs every time I cruised around the traffic circle in our town, I had to reconsider. Perhaps I wasn't as safe a rider as I had thought. Maybe I really was an accident looking for a place to happen. Maybe I had lost respect for the dangers of motorcycle riding or had developed an unsafe attitude. Certainly it was time for a change: The motorcycle had to go.

The same thing can happen in virtually any sport, recreation, or activity, whether it's skiing, boating, scuba diving, mountain climbing, or driving a car. When we become overconfident or complacent, our attitude subtly shifts and our margin of safety begins to erode. We may not realize that it is occurring, but at some critical point, we find ourselves over our heads in a truly dangerous situation. When we develop hazardous attitudes in flying, we are truly courting disaster.

The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) literature defines five hazardous attitudes that can undermine a pilot's aeronautical decision making. They are antiauthority, impulsivity, invulnerability, macho, and resignation. While these terms all have negative connotations, each really represents a trait or characteristic embodied in the psyche of every human mind. The key to maintaining a safe attitude is understanding the factors that influence each of these traits and recognizing situations when these traits may become prevalent enough to compromise our decision-making ability.

The Decision-Making Process

In this world of high-speed computing, information access, and electronic communications, perhaps the most mysterious scientific marvel is the human mind. While it's virtually impossible to understand all the variables affecting the workings of the mind, there are models that help us to understand the process of making decisions.

The decision-making process in-volves awareness of our situation. We use judgment to evaluate various risk factors, then choose a course of action to produce a desired result. One representation of this process is called the DECIDE model. In this model, we first detect a change or deviation from our planned action. We then estimate the correction required. We choose a desirable outcome, initiate change by doing something, and evaluate the effect of this action on correcting the deviation.

Throughout this process, a pilot is called upon to evaluate five important elements: himself, the aircraft, the environment, the type of operation or flight (sightseeing, training, charter, etc.), and the situation of the other four elements.

Under normal circumstances, our decision-making process operates effectively. But when stressors are present, the decision-making process can become strained or fail altogether as the pilot fails to properly evaluate any of the five flight elements.

Stressors can be broadly categorized as physical, physiological, and psychological. Physical stressors relate to our environment and include such factors as cockpit temperature, noise, vibration and turbulence, hypoxia, and carbon monoxide. Any of these stressors can alter our perceptions to the point that we are no longer able to make realistic evaluations.

Physiological stressors are those that affect the functioning of our bodies and minds. They include such common factors as fatigue and proper nutrition. A good checklist for these items is the I'M SAFE checklist. (See sidebar.)

The third category is psychological stressors, and these include myriad factors such as peer pressure, self-image, get-home-itis and the hurry-up syndrome. (See AOPA Flight Training, June 1999). Such stressors can severely alter our perception of the five elements of flight decision making.

When stressors mount, the attitudes that we normally keep in check may begin to adversely influence our decision-making ability. Our judgment becomes compromised, and we begin to slide down a slippery slope toward disaster. What's important is that we recognize the traits within us, understand how these traits can develop into hazardous attitudes, and develop mechanisms to readjust our thought processes as we enter the zone of hazardous attitudes and dangerous decision making.

Antiauthority

While most of us don't like to admit it, at times we all act as if the rules don't apply to us. If you've ever found yourself cruising down the highway above the posted speed limit, hurrying to make it through a yellow traffic light, or rolling past a stop sign, then you know what I'm talking about. Sometimes it seems that the rules just don't apply in the particular circumstances, that they aren't that important, or that we can get away with disregarding them.

When we find ourselves breaking the rules like this, we usually have ways to rationalize our behavior. "There was no traffic, and I was in a hurry...nobody was coming...conditions were perfect...you know these roads were really designed for traveling at 70 miles an hour...." Occasionally, such lapses in judgment result in an accident, but even then we are likely to find extenuating circumstances that relieve us of responsibility, such as, "That guy just came out of nowhere," or, "There was a patch of ice on the road," or, "He wasn't using his turn signals."

The same thing can happen in an airplane. To save a few seconds of time, pilots sometimes abbreviate the traffic pattern or use non-standard entries, skip checklists, or fly closer to the clouds and in poorer weather conditions than legally allowed. They rationalize these deviations with similar arguments, including, "There was nobody else in the pattern," or, "I know the checklist by heart," or, "I've done this hundreds of times."

Psychological stressors are probably the most common cause of allowing antiauthority traits to run amuck. When we feel a strong need to get somewhere, we can feel justified in bending the rules. When our antiauthority attitude overwhelms our good judgment, we're squarely in the danger zone.

Impulsivity

Throughout our training, the need to react quickly-to take prompt action in response to a changing situation-is emphasized. When we hear the stall warning, we lower the nose, apply power, and level the wings. On landing, we make rapid corrections to compensate for the effects of gusty winds. When an engine fails or a fire breaks out, we respond immediately with carefully programmed actions.

A person with a hazardous impulsivity attitude may feel the need to do something-anything-quickly. But there are times when reacting too quickly can get us into trouble. Rush through a checklist, and you might miss an item. Hurry to feather a failed engine in a light twin, and you might inadvertently feather the wrong one. There are very few times when lightning-quick responses are essential to safety and survival. In most situations, including many emergencies, it's better to take time to sort things out before committing to a course of action.

Invulnerability

I've never been more shocked than the day I broke my leg skiing. I was 12 years old and way over my head on an icy slope. I lost control and slammed into an innocent bystander. My leg snapped like a frozen twig. I was dumb-founded. It was simply impossible that such a thing could happen to me. Accidents like this were only supposed to happen to other people.

Perhaps our built-in sense of invulnerability is a survival mechanism that allows us to cope with the prospect of injury or death. If we truly believed that we would be injured or killed each time we climbed into the cockpit of an airplane, we'd never turn the starter. Of course we don't think we're going to crash. We tend to believe that accidents happen to other pilots; besides, virtually all the factors that affect safety are under our direct control. We know that as long as we make good decisions, we should never have an accident.

However, this feeling of invulnerability should always be tempered by an equally strong sense of caution. Otherwise, this important survival mechanism becomes a serious safety liability. We may fail to stop and consider the very real risks that are involved in the actions we take.

Macho

Pilots must have a high degree of confidence in their ability to operate an airplane. Aviation is full of challenges: flight planning, decision making, computing, and navigating. Our training is designed to foster our self-image as competent, capable pilots. As aviation pioneer Beryl Markham wrote, "Success breeds confidence...." Each time we succeed in our flying, we have more confidence that we can do it again.

Sometimes our confidence outstrips our ability to safely fly the airplane. Especially when we have a strong desire to accomplish a goal, we can fool ourselves into believing that we can do something that is actually stretching the limits of our abilities.

At the extreme end of the spectrum, people with a hazardous macho attitude will feel a need to continually prove that they are better pilots than others and will take foolish chances to demonstrate their superior ability. Individuals who normally keep their macho attitude in check can be tripped up when certain psychological factors color their perception. Stresses that lead to the hurry-up syndrome or get-home-itis can cause pilots to overestimate their abilities.

Physiological stressors can also in-fluence our macho attitude. We all know that alcohol and drugs affect our decision-making abilities, but even the air we breathe can affect our perceptions. Flying high without supplemental oxygen can lead to hypoxia, which can induce feelings of elation, well-being, or belligerence. In this state, a pilot may feel secure and justified in taking unnecessary risks.

Resignation

Everyone has a limit, and at some point, each of us will recognize that we have reached it and resign ourselves to the consequences. We say, "There's nothing more I can do," or "I can't do that." This resignation becomes hazardous when a pilot gives up when faced with difficult situations. Those with a hazardous resignation attitude believe that they have little control over their own destiny-that fate or bad luck is the cause of their misfortune.

Our perception of our limits can change from year to year or even minute to minute as our environment changes and physiological, psychological, and physical factors come into play.

Physical and physiological stressors probably have the greatest influence on our perceived limits. When we're tired or feeling sick, we may become overwhelmed. I recall how, on a solo cross-country training flight, my abilities were impaired by a bout of airsickness. I had one goal-to get the aircraft on the ground and get out of it. I neglected my checklist, flew the pattern the wrong way, and landed on the wrong runway. An hour later, after the symptoms subsided, I realized how severely my piloting abilities had been compromised.

Changing Bad Attitudes

Once we recognize that our decision making might be compromised by a hazardous attitude, we can apply a corrective mechanism to our thinking. When the antiauthority attitude strikes, we need to remind ourselves that the rules are usually right. The regulations we fly by have literally been written in blood and exist for our protection.

When we find ourselves tempted to react impulsively, we can remind ourselves to think first. By reflecting briefly on a situation, we often choose a better course of action than simple reaction.

When we find ourselves thinking that bad things only happen to other pilots (invulnerability), we need to think again. Take mental note of all the factors influencing the safety of the flight. If we put these factors in the context of an accident report-our own-we can make better, more objective evaluations of our situation.

The same goes for the macho attitude. If we find ourselves about to take a chance, we need to reflect on the significance of our decision to fly. Ask yourself how important this flight will be five days or five years from now. Chances are it won't be that important.

Finally, we need to watch out for those times when our abilities become compromised by tunnel vision. When the resignation attitude develops, we must realize that we are not helpless and force ourselves to continue thinking and flying the airplane.

It may have been a harsh step to sell that motorcycle, but the experience reinforced a valuable lesson about human nature. Nobody wants an accident, but they happen all the time. To avoid them, we must constantly make the painstakingly difficult assessment of our own mental condition.

Sidebar - Hazardous Attitudes

Name

Description

Antidote

Antiauthority

"Don't tell me..."

Follow the rules; they're usually right.

Impulsivity

"Do something quickly!"

Not so fast-Think first!

Invulnerability

"It won't happen to me...."

It could happen to me!

Macho

"I can do it."

Taking chances is foolish.

Resignation

"What's the use?"

I'm not helpless.

Sidebar - The I'M SAFE Checklist

Evaluating our personal airworthiness can be a difficult and demanding task. One tool to help make that assessment is the I'M SAFE checklist. Each letter represents one of six important factors affecting our ability to fly safely and engage in effective decision making. If you find yourself deficient in any of these areas, your decision-making ability may be compromised, and the no-go decision should be made.

Illness-Any form of illness can affect our ability to safely operate an aircraft. Remember that the symptoms of colds and other minor illnesses can be exacerbated by changes in pressure that result from changes in altitude. Sinus blockage caused by a head cold, for example, can result in severe vertigo. If you wouldn't be able to pass an FAA medical exam, or if you have any condition that might alter your ability to safely operate an aircraft, the only safe choice is not to fly.

Medication-On the heels of illness is medication. Pilots are often tempted to use over-the-counter remedies to mask the effects of illnesses such as colds, but these remedies may have side effects that severely affect our judgment and decision making. If you are considering flying while taking any medication, first consult your aviation medical examiner.

Stress-Numerous forms of stress can alter our decision-making ability. Remember that the psychological stresses of work, school, family, or personal life are carried with you into the cockpit and can degrade your performance. Physical stress such as hot or cold temperature, high humidity, noise, vibration, and turbulence can take their toll on your decision-making ability. Hard work and the resulting soreness and fatigue can conspire against us as well. Stresses are also cumulative, so before you decide to fly, consider all the stresses acting upon you and the potential cumulative effect.

Alcohol-All pilots should know better than to mix alcohol with flying. The federal aviation regulations prohibit flying within eight hours of drinking alcoholic beverages, when under the influence of alcohol (or other drugs), or any time blood alcohol levels exceed .04 percent. Remember, too, that many cold remedies include alcohol as an active ingredient, so be certain not to use these before flying.

Fatigue-It's difficult to think clearly and rationally when you're tired. Mental abilities as well as motor coordination can be severely compromised when a pilot is tired. If you haven't had adequate rest, don't fly.

Eating-Nutrition is another important factor that contributes to mental processes, including decision making. If you haven't been eating properly or drinking enough fluids, don't expect to be a safe pilot. Your body cannot perform its best if it doesn't have the nutrients and fluids it needs.